Zook lauds Reda

Brasic scores high

September 08, 2005|By Neil Milbert.

If sophomore Jason Reda had made his 52-yard field-goal attempt with 28 seconds remaining in regulation, Illinois wouldn't have had to go into overtime to defeat Rutgers in Saturday's opener. But coach Ron Zook said he wouldn't have any reservations about putting Reda in a similar situation in the future.

"There's no question in my mind Reda can be an excellent kicker," Zook said. "I've been around some guys who can kick and I've never been around one or seen one who can make them all. He has the potential to be as good as anybody in the Big Ten." . . .

The coaching staff graded the players after reviewing the tapes of the Rutgers game. Zook said junior quarterback Tim Brasic went from a grade of 62 percent in the first half to a grade of 85 percent in the second half.